Driveway Gravel Calculator
Estimate the tons and cubic yards of gravel for a driveway. It starts with a 40 × 12 ft single-car driveway, 4 inches of crushed stone and a 15% allowance for compaction.
1. Measure your area
2. Choose your gravel
Gravel density varies by material, moisture and supplier. Use your supplier's stated density when available. This calculator provides an estimate, not a supplier quote.
How to measure a driveway
Measure the length from the road or garage to the end of the gravel, then the width. If the driveway is not a clean rectangle, split it into simple shapes and add the results together: a rectangle for the straight run, a triangle for a flared entrance, and the L-shape option for a drive that turns. Measure width in two or three places, because driveways are rarely the same width all the way along.
How deep should driveway gravel be?
There is no single answer, because it depends on soil, drainage, climate and the weight of the vehicles using it. As a rough guide, a new residential driveway is often built with a total gravel depth of about 4 to 8 inches, installed in layers: larger crushed stone at the bottom for strength and drainage, and smaller crushed stone on top for a smooth surface. Topping up an existing driveway that has worn thin usually needs only 1 to 2 inches. Soft or wet soil generally calls for more depth. A local stone supplier or contractor will know what works in your area.
Why this calculator defaults to 15% extra
Crushed stone compacts once it is spread and driven over, and some material is always lost at the edges and in low spots. The calculator defaults to a 15% allowance for that reason, which is higher than the 10% used for light landscaping jobs. If you are only topping up a firm, existing surface, 5 to 10% is usually enough.
Worked example: a 40 × 12 ft driveway at 4 inches
Area: 40 ft × 12 ft = 480 sq ft
Volume at 4 inches deep: 480 × (4 ÷ 12) = 160.00 cubic feet
Add 15% for compaction and waste: 160.00 × 1.15 = 184.00 cubic feet = 6.81 cubic yards
Weight at 110 lb per cubic foot: 184.00 × 110 = 20,240 lb = 10.12 tons
Driveway gravel quantities at 4 inches deep
The table below uses crushed stone at 110 lb per cubic foot and a 15% allowance. Change the numbers in the calculator above for your own dimensions and depth.
| Driveway | Size | Cubic yards | Tons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short single-car pad | 20 × 10 ft | 2.84 | 4.22 |
| Single-car driveway | 40 × 12 ft | 6.81 | 10.12 |
| Long single-car driveway | 60 × 12 ft | 10.22 | 15.18 |
| Two-car driveway | 40 × 20 ft | 11.36 | 16.87 |
| Long two-car driveway | 60 × 20 ft | 17.04 | 25.30 |
Which stone works best for a driveway?
Angular crushed stone is the usual choice for driveways because the sharp edges lock together as the stone is compacted, which gives a firmer surface. Round stones such as pea gravel and river rock tend to shift and spread under tires, so they are better suited to paths, garden beds and decorative areas. Select Crushed stone in the calculator for driveway work. Stone size matters too, so ask your supplier which grades they recommend for a base layer and for a top layer.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of gravel do I need for a driveway?
It depends on the size and depth. As an example, a 40 × 12 ft driveway with 4 inches of crushed stone and a 15% allowance needs roughly 10 tons. Enter your own dimensions in the calculator above for a figure that matches your driveway.
How many cubic yards are in a ton of gravel?
For crushed stone at about 110 lb per cubic foot, one ton is roughly 0.67 cubic yards, or about 1.5 tons per cubic yard. Lighter or wetter material shifts these numbers, so ask your supplier for their exact figure.
Should I order gravel by the ton or by the cubic yard?
Many quarries and landscape suppliers sell by the ton, while some sell by the cubic yard. Ask which they use and how they measure it, then use the matching figure from the calculator. If a price is quoted per ton, enter it in the price field to see an estimated material cost.
Do I need landscape fabric under a gravel driveway?
Geotextile fabric is commonly used to keep gravel from mixing into soft soil underneath and to slow weed growth. Whether you need it depends on your soil and drainage, so it is worth asking your contractor or supplier.
How much extra gravel should I order?
A 10 to 15% allowance is a sensible starting point for a new driveway, because the stone compacts as it is spread and driven over. Order a little more rather than less, because a second delivery can cost more than the extra material.
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Last updated 2026-10-06. Quantities are estimates; densities and coverage vary by material, moisture and supplier.